Letters to the Editor (June 1)

Symbol of our city

For years, the good old boy Wichita builders have been lusting for the land where the current library and Century II are located.

It is a forgone conclusion that the consultant’s “study” will recommend that Century II be torn down; after all consultants’ recommendations reflect the wishes of those who are paying for the “study.” Since City Manager Robert Layton and Mayor Jeff Longwell appear to favor tearing Century II down, that will undoubtedly be the recommendation.

Then we the public will be stuck with the bills for street improvements, etc., while the prime piece of land will go to one of the good old boys for a nominal fee. The winner will then build more ticky-tacky buildings to further block public access to our river.

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Our historic Century II will be but a memory, while our performing arts programs and those who attend the many programs at Century II will be dumped somewhere in the outer city limits. Of course a replacement building is not yet designed, nor the location determined.

So it was “great” to build Intrust Bank Arena in the heart of downtown to attract more people to come there, while the arts are kicked to the curb.

Just once will our city leaders listen to those who actually attend the programs at Century II? Renovate, update, expand Century II but don’t tear it down. It is the symbol of our city, and we are proud of it.

Pat Lehman, Wichita

Leave dogs at home; take kids inside

Leaving your dogs or children in the car on a hot day could be fatal.

Temperatures inside a car can become 30 degrees hotter than outside within 10 minutes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, outside temperatures in the 60s can still push car temperatures well above 110 degrees.

Multiple studies have proven that cars with windows partially opened heat up as much as those with the windows closed, while opening windows all the way puts kids and pets at risk of theft or abduction. Parking in the shade also does not stop the car interior from overheating fast.

It only takes 10 to 15 minutes for a dog to sustain irreparable brain or organ damage. Complications of heat stroke can show up a few days or even weeks later; just because the dog looks OK doesn’t mean they are.

Please leave your dogs safe at home and take your kids inside with you. If you see a dog or child in a hot car, follow this advice from a local police officer: “Call 911 if you see an unattended child or animal in a vehicle that is not running.”

Lorrin Maughan, Derby

Letters to the Editor

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